Yves Saint Laurent Large Leather Tote Bag: All About Yves

Oooh! Yves Saint Laurent, you’re putting me in a Bag Snob quandary. Now I can’t decide between this and the Muse Two Cabas. Decisions, decisions. This large north-to-south south tote is much easier and offers more longevity. But with this functionality means you lose out on the nice details (tab and zipper closure, yummy hardware, intriguing, though more restrictive, colorblocking) of the Muse Two Cabas.

How can you compare apples and oranges, both fresh and delicious? The tote and the Muse Two possess two totally contrary vibes. You wouldn’t even want exciting details on this tote – the appeal is in the clean, sleek shape. Patent-leather piping is all this bag really needs, especially when it’s complimenting such colors. Of course, my choice of hue is nude with electric purple-blue, but the less jarring nude-on-orange has a tranquil harmony, in keeping with the versatile spirit. The perfect touch? The cute little YSL logo tab is like a pair of dangling earrings to catch the eye without taking over. This tote definitely wins in the price department: for a punch of style, $1,095 (about half the Muse Two Cabas) is as easy as this bag feels. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,095.

Pair with: Pick up on the black patent and play with colors indirectly with the “Kemp” sandal by Jimmy Choo. Patent-leather frames hologram-effect strips over sheer mesh, picking up on the easy tones of the tote. On Net-a-Porter for $1,495.